If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

a member here, Sgt Mac, hung with this size tarp in a hurricane and didn't get wet. Needs careful orientation, and angling the "wings" steeply towards the ground. No space to hang out in bad weather when camping seems to be the main complaint. If you are backpacking, the (much) lighter weight will be a major advantage compared with a hex tarp.
As you point out, not needing a center seam is a massive advantage for a first time DIY.
I suggest you look at the videos on the Hennessy site to see how this type of tarp should be hung. Additionally the youtube videos of Mcspporanhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwzZTeAE3yc

I have a Hennessy and use the asym for backpacking (weight) and the Hennessy hex for base camping (massive)